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FishHawk 'Heroes Run' will honor fallen Marine

 
A chapter of the Travis Manion Foundation will host a 9/11 Heroes Run on Sept. 12 in Lithia to support local veterans.
A chapter of the Travis Manion Foundation will host a 9/11 Heroes Run on Sept. 12 in Lithia to support local veterans.
Published Sept. 1, 2015

LITHIA — Asked why he re-enlisted for a second tour of duty, U.S. Marine and Naval Academy graduate Lt. Travis Manion gave a succinct answer.

"If not me, then who?"

On April 29, 2007, during his return tour to Iraq, he was killed by an enemy sniper while aiding comrades.

The overwhelming grass roots outpouring from people who wanted to honor Manion, a Doylestown, Pa., native, led his parents, Thomas and Janette Manion, to begin the Travis Manion Foundation 9/11 Heroes Run.

The foundation helps veterans and families of the fallen in all stages of their personal journey and offers opportunities to empower them to achieve their goals.

Retired Col. Beau Higgins, a FishHawk Ranch resident, knew immediately when Manion was assigned to his battalion in Iraq that he was special.

"He stood out; he had a unique personality that people gravitated toward," Higgins said. "He was charismatic and funny. I've led hundreds of lieutenants over the years. He had 'it.' "

Carrying on was especially difficult for the battalion after Manion's death.

"You can't stop," Higgins said. "It makes you want to be a better person. It pushes you to finish the mission."

Finishing the mission for Higgins means honoring Manion by starting a Travis Manion 9/11 Heroes Run in Lithia. More than 50 communities all over the world host a run, but this is the only one in the bay area. With many military service members here, Higgins hopes the race will be well-supported.

The Lithia run will take place at 8 a.m. Sept. 12 at Randall Middle School, 16510 Fishhawk Blvd. A large portion of the funds raised through the 9/11 Heroes Run will be invested back into the race community to support local veterans, first responders, troops and military families.

For more information, visit 911heroesrun.org.

Contact Leda Eaton at hillsnews@tampabay.com.